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Analysis of Prevalence and Mortality Among Neonates and Children With Intestinal Atresia: A Multinational Study,
Angie Carreño1, Maria Paula Aguilera2, Lina Ibañez3
1Birth Defect Surveillance Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali, Colombia.
Insights
Small intestinal atresia (SIA) affects 2.1 in 10,000 births globally, with significant geographical variations. This study analyzed SIA prevalence and mortality over 41 years, highlighting the need for further research into trends and treatment impacts.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Care
- Birth Defects Research
Background:
- Small intestinal atresia (SIA) is a congenital condition causing obstruction in the small intestine.
- SIA severity varies, impacting newborns' digestive systems.
- Understanding SIA prevalence and mortality is crucial for neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the global prevalence of small intestinal atresia (SIA).
- To analyze mortality rates associated with SIA.
- To identify geographical variations in SIA occurrence using ICBDSR data.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 25 International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR) programs (1974-2015).
- Prevalence calculated as SIA cases per 10,000 births.
- Mortality analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
Main Results:
- Overall SIA prevalence was 2.1 per 10,000 births.
- Highest prevalence observed in Iran (11.5/10,000), lowest in Mexico-Nuevo Leon (0.5/10,000).
- First-year mortality was 4.3%; most deaths occurred within the first week of life.
Conclusions:
- SIA prevalence varies geographically, with an overall rate of 2.1 per 10,000 births over 41 years.
- Further research is recommended to investigate trends and the impact of early diagnosis and treatment on SIA mortality.
Introduction:
Small intestinal atresia (SIA) consists of a congenital obstruction of the lumen of the duodenum, jejunum, or ileum with varying severity. The aim of the investigation was to analyze the prevalence and mortality of SIA, using data from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR).
Methods:
Data on SIA cases were collected from 25 ICBDSR members' surveillance programs in 17 countries over 1974-2015. All pregnancy outcomes were included, but terminations of pregnancy were not available for 11 programs. Statistical analysis is descriptive, and the prevalence is established by the total of SIA cases divided by the total of births. The survival time was calculated, and mortality was analyzed individually using the Kaplan-Meier method for comparison.
Results:
The total prevalence of SIA was 2.1 per 10,000 births. Iran had the highest prevalence with 11.5 per 10,000 total births (95% CI: 9-14.1); on the other hand, the lowest prevalence of SIA was in Mexico-Nuevo Leon with 0.5 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 0.3-0.8), and Cali-Colombia had zero cases. In South America, a higher prevalence of SIA was estimated compared to what was reported in 2000. Most deaths occurred between Day 2 and 6, except in Bogotá-Colombia, Spain, UK-Wales, and Mexico, where the deaths occurred on Day 1. The mortality in the first year was 4.3%, but the specific causes of death were not determined in this study.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of SIA was about 2.1 per 10,000 births during a 41-year period in 25 centers, with variations in prevalence according to geographical locations. Future research is suggested to analyze changes in trends and the impact of early diagnosis and treatment in mortality.
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